Hillary Clinton met with her staff and supporters for the first time after losing to Donald Trump on Wednesday in New York. This is coming Hours after conceding the 2016 presidential election to Donald Trump in a shocking turn of events.
The crowd cheered and clapped as she took the stage to address them.
“Thank you all very much,” she began “Thank you, thank you. And I love you all, too. Last night I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country. I hope that he will be a president for all of our country…
“I’m sorry that we did not win this election for the values we all share…You represent the best of America, and being your candidate has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I know how disappointed you feel, because I feel it too.
“This is painful, and it will be for a long time. But I want you to remember this. Our campaign was never about one person… it was about building a country that we love… We have seen that our country was more deeply divided than we ever thought…”
Clinton revealed that in addition to respecting the election “we must defend” the values of non-discrimination and the rule of law and equality before the law.
She then called on supporters to advance the values “we hold most dear.” She said: “We’ve spent a year-and-a-half bringing together millions of people… We believe the American dream is big enough for everyone.”
She said men, women, LGBT, people with disabilites – “for everyone.”
“Our responsibility as citizens is to continue to do our part to build that better stronger fairer America that we all seek.”
Clinton went ahead to thank Kaine and Holton and says she’s comforted to know Kaine is going back to the senate.
“To Barack and Michelle Obama. Our country owes you an enormous debt of gratitude. We thank you for your graceful determined leadership that has meant so much…
“And to Bill and Chelsea, Mark Charlotte Aidan.. my love for you means more than I can ever express. You criss-crossed this country on my behalf and lifted me up when I needed it most.”
She thanked the “talent and dedicated” staff. “You poured your hearts into this campaign… you were the best campaign that anybody could have ever expected or wanted.
“And to the millions of volunteers, community leaders, activists and union organizers…I want everybody coming out… and make sure your voices are heard going forward.”
She thanked donors. She thanked “the young people in particular.” And told them she’s had “successes and setbacks,” “Sometimes really painful.”
“You will have successes and setbacks too. This loss hurts. But please never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it.”
“And to all the women.. who put their faith in this campaign and me… I want you to know that nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion.”
“I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but I know someday someone will, and hopefully sooner than we might think right now.
“And to all the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable… and deserving of every chance… to pursue your own dreams.”
Clinton says she is “incredibly honored and grateful to have had this chance.”
“May god bless you and may god bless the United States of America.”
She then hugged everyone onstage and walked off.
